OUR VIEW

Much goes into a proper parklet

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Jan 23, 2014

~~<p>Setting a few tables and chairs atop Astroturf on a small stretch of street where cars used to be doesn't strike us as particularly park-like, but that's what passed for a &quot;parklet&quot; in at least one U.S. city. The urban aesthetic generating interest in Honolulu and throughout the United States is more accurately described as sidewalk widening, commonly achieved by installing pleasant outdoor seating areas along commercial corridors, especially near restaurants.</p><p>Such pedestrian-friendly additions are welcome in appropriate neighborhoods, even if it means losing a few parking spots on the adjacent street. But parklets should never be considered a substitute for high-quality green space, especially in areas that are being completely overhauled and therefore present more substantial, permanent opportunities to transform the urban core.</p>~~

Setting a few tables and chairs atop Astroturf on a small stretch of street where cars used to be doesn't strike us as particularly park-like, but that's what passed for a "parklet" in at least one U.S. city. The urban aesthetic generating interest in Honolulu and throughout the United States is more accurately described as sidewalk widening, commonly achieved by installing pleasant outdoor seating areas along commercial corridors, especially near restaurants.

Such pedestrian-friendly additions are welcome in appropriate neighborhoods, even if it means losing a few parking spots on the adjacent street. But parklets should never be considered a substitute for high-quality green space, especially in areas that are being completely overhauled and therefore present more substantial, permanent opportunities to transform the urban core. Login for more...